​​​The Postgraduate Office, Division for Research Development hosted its first "Quickfire Talks" research communication competition on the 1^st of November 2023, at the Neelsie Cinema. This event provided 15 Stellenbosch University's postgraduates and postdoctoral fellows a unique platform to showcase their research in a concise 3-minute talk.

Before the competition, some participants had the invaluable opportunity to undergo training under the guidance of Thabani Mtsi, a skilled communications coach. Through this training, they honed their ability to effectively present their research, ensuring it resonated with audiences who are not experts in their specific fields.

During the competition, an interesting twist was introduced: participants were not permitted to use PowerPoint slides, but they could employ props or items to enhance their presentations.

The talks spanned a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from regulating the commoditisation of churches in the field of theology to exploring compounds in medicinal plants that hold promise for treating anxiety and depression, in the field of Botany. Another intriguing presentation revolved around the innovative use of garlic in cattle feed to repel flies, in the field of Food Sciences. The presentations from these group of exceptionally talented postgraduates and postdoctoral fellows, demonstrated how they are contributing to research for impact at Stellenbosch University.

The competition concluded with the panel of judges made up of SU science communication experts, Professor Marina Joubert (CREST), Mr Fumani Jwara (Journalism) and Ms Wiida Basson (Science), selecting the following researchers for their exceptional talks:

• Ewura-Esi Manful, Department of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine and Health Sciences) – Winner
• Kaylan Reddy, Botany and Zoology (Science) - Second Runner-up
• Luther Chipembere, Agricultural Economics (AgriSciences) – Third Runner-up​

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​Ewura-Esi Manful, Department of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine and Health Sciences) – Winner	Kaylan Reddy, Botany and Zoology (Science) - Second Runner-up	​Luther Chipembere, Agricultural Economics (AgriSciences) – Third Runner-up

We extend our appreciation to all those who participated in this event and offer our congratulations to the winners!